Alpha, beta-unsaturated sulfones for treating proliferative disorders

ABSTRACT

Sulfones of formula I are useful as antiproliferative agents, including, for example, anticancer agents:  
                 
 
     wherein:  
     Q 1  is selected from the group consisting of  
     (a) a phenyl radical according to formula II  
                 
 
     wherein  
     R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4  and R 5  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-C6 trifluoroalkoxy and trifluoromethyl;  
     (b) an aromatic radical selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl and 9-anthryl; and  
     (c) an aromatic radical according to formula III  
                 
 
     wherein  
     n 1  is 1 or 2,  
     Y 1  and Y 2  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and nitro, and  
     X 1  is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and  
                 
 
     Q 2  is selected from the group consisting of  
     (d) a phenyl radical according to formula II, as defined above;  
     (e) an aromatic radical selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl and 9-anthryl;  
     (f) an aromatic radical according to formula IV  
                 
 
     wherein  
     n 1  is 1 or 2,  
     Y 3  and Y 4  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and nitro, and  
     X 2 , X 3  and X 4  are independently selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and  
                 
 
     provided that not all of X 2 , X 3  and X 4  may be carbon; and  
     (g) 1-piperazinyl;  
     provided that at least one of Q 1  or Q 2  is other than a phenyl radical according to formula II;  
     or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.  
     Sulfones of formula V are also useful as antiproliferative agents, including, for example, anticancer agents:  
                 
 
     wherein:  
     X is sulfur or oxygen; Y a  and Y b  are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and nitro; and R 1 -R 5  are defined as above;  
     or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The benefit of the filing dates of provisional application Serial No. 60/197,368, filed Apr. 14, 2000, is claimed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 1119(e). The entire disclosures of the aforesaid provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer and other proliferative disorders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Extracellular signals received at transmembrane receptors are relayed into the cells by the signal transduction pathways (Pelech et al., Science 257:1335 (1992)) which have been implicated in a wide array of physiological processes such as induction of cell proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis (Davis et al., J. Biol. Chem. 268:14553 (1993)). The Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) cascade is a major signaling system by which cells transduce extracellular cues into intracellular responses (Nishida et al., Trends Biochem. Sci. 18:128 (1993); Blumer et al., Trends Biochem. Sci. 19:236 (1994)). Many steps of this cascade are conserved, and homologous for MAP kinases have been discovered in different species.

[0004] In mammalian cells, the Extracellular-Signal-Regulated Kinases (ERKs), ERK-1 and ERK-2 are the archetypal and best-studied members of the MAPK family, which all have the unique feature of being activated by phosphorylation on threonine and tyrosine residues by an upstream dual specificity kinase (Posada et al., Science 255:212 (1992); Biggs III et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:6295 (1992); Garner et al., Genes Dev. 6:1280 (1992)).

[0005] Recent studies have identified an additional subgroup of MAPKs, known as c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases 1 and 2 (JNK-1 and JNK-2), that have different substrate specificities and are regulated by different stimuli (Hibi et al., Genes Dev. 7:2135 (1993)). JNKs are members of the class of stress-activated protein kinases (SPKs). JNKs have been shown to be activated by treatment of cells with UV radiation, pro-inflammatory cytokines and environmental stress (Derijard et al., Cell 1025 (1994)). The activated JNK binds to the amino terminus of the c-Jun protein and increases the protein's transcriptional activity by phosphorylating it at ser63 and ser73 (Adler et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:5341 (1992); Kwok et al., Nature 370:223 (1994)).

[0006] Analysis of the deduced primary sequence of the JNKs indicates that they are distantly related to ERKs (Davis, Trends Biochem. Sci. 19:470 (1994)). Both ERKs and JNKs are phosphorylated on Tyr and Thr in response to external stimuli resulting in their activation (Davis, Trends Biochem. Sci. 19:470 (1994)). The phosphorylation (Thr and Tyr) sites, which play a critical role in their activation are conserved between ERKs and JNKs (Davis, Trends Biochem. Sci. 19:470 (1994)). However, these sites of phosphorylation are located within distinct dual phosphorylation motifs: Thr-Pro-Tyr (JNK) and Thr-Glu-Tyr (ERK). Phosphorylation of MAPKs and JNKs by an external signal often involves the activation of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) (Gille et al., Nature 358:414 (1992)), which constitute a large family of proteins encompassing several growth factor receptors and other signal transducing molecules.

[0007] Protein tyrosine kinases are enzymes which catalyze a well defined chemical reaction: the phosphorylation of a tyrosine residue (Hunter et al., Annu Rev Biochem 54:897 (1985)). Receptor tyrosine kinases in particular are attractive targets for drug design since blockers for the substrate domain of these kinases is likely to yield an effective and selective antiproliferative agent. The potential use of protein tyrosine kinase blockers as antiproliferative agents was recognized as early as 1981, when quercetin was suggested as a PTK blocker (Graziani et al., Eur. J. Biochem. 135:583-589 (1983)).

[0008] The best understood MAPK pathway involves extracellular signal-regulated kinases which constitute the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK kinase cascade (Boudewijn et al., Trends Biochem. Sci. 20, 18 (1995)). Once this pathway is activated by different stimuli, MAPK phosphorylates a variety of proteins including several transcription factors which translocate into the nucleus and activate gene transcription. Negative regulation of this pathway could arrest the cascade of these events.

[0009] What are needed are new anticancer chemotherapeutic agents which target receptor tyrosine kinases and which arrest the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK kinase cascade. Oncoproteins in general, and signal transducing proteins in particular, are likely to be more selective targets for chemotherapy because they represent a subclass of proteins whose activities are essential for cell proliferation, and because their activities are greatly amplified in proliferative diseases.

[0010] What is also needed are new cell antiproliferative agents, and anticancer therapeutics in particular, which are highly selective in the killing of proliferating cells such as tumor cells, but not normal cells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer and other proliferative diseases. The biologically active compounds are in the form of certain sulfone compounds.

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide compounds which are highly selective in killing tumor cells but not normal cells.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, novel compounds are provided according to formula I:

[0014] wherein:

[0015] Q₁ is selected from the group consisting of

[0016] (a) a phenyl radical according to formula II

[0017] wherein

[0018] R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-C6 trifluoroalkoxy and trifluoromethyl;

[0019] (b) an aromatic radical selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl and 9-anthryl; and

[0020] (c) an aromatic radical according to formula III

[0021] wherein

[0022] n₁ is 1 or 2,

[0023] Y₁ and Y₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and nitro, and

[0024] X₁ is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and

[0025] and

[0026] Q₂ is selected from the group consisting of

[0027] (d) a phenyl radical according to formula II

[0028] wherein

[0029] R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-C6 trifluoroalkoxy and trifluoromethyl;

[0030] (e) an aromatic radical selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl and 9-anthryl;

[0031] (f) an aromatic radical according to formula IV

[0032] wherein

[0033] n₂ is 1 or 2,

[0034] Y₃ and Y₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and nitro, and

[0035] X₂, X₃ and X₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and

[0036] provided that not all of X₂, X₃ and X₄ may be carbon; and

[0037] (g) 1-piperazinyl;

[0038] provided that at least one of Q₁ or Q₂ is other than a phenyl radical according to formula II.;

[0039] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention, novel compounds of the Z-configuration are provided according to formula V:

[0041] wherein:

[0042] X is sulfur or oxygen; and Y_(a) and Y_(b) are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and nitro; and R₁ through R₅ are defined as above;

[0043] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0044] According to other embodiments, processes for preparing compounds according to the present invention are provided. In one such embodiment, a compound of formula I is prepared by condensing a compound of the formula Ia

[0045] with a compound of the formula

[0046] where Q₁ and Q₂ are defined as above for formula I.

[0047] The formula Ia compound may be prepared, for example, by reacting sodium glycollate with a compound of the formula Q₁CH₂Cl to form a thioacetic compound of the formula

[0048] which is then oxidized to form a compound of formula 1a, wherein Q₁ is defined as above.

[0049] Alternatively, the thioacetic acid compound Q₁CH₂SCH₂COOH is prepared by reacting a compound of the formula HSCH₂COOR, where R is C1-C6 alkyl, with the aforementioned Q₁CH₂Cl compound to form a compound of the formula:

[0050] wherein R is C1-C6 alkyl, which is then converted to the corresponding thioacetic acid compound by alkaline or acid hydrolysis.

[0051] A process for preparing compounds according to formula V is also provided. A compound of the of the formula

[0052] wherein Y_(b), Y_(a) and X are defined as above, is reacted with a compound of the formula

[0053] where R₁ to R₅ are defined above, to form a sulfide compound of formula Va:

[0054] The sulfide compound is then oxidized to form a sulfone compound according to formula V.

[0055] The term “alkyl”, by itself or as part of another substituent means, unless otherwise stated, a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon radical, including di- and multi-radicals, having the number of carbon atoms designated (i.e. C1-C6 means one to six carbons) and includes straight or branched chain groups. Most preferred is C1-C3 alkyl, particularly ethyl and methyl.

[0056] The term “alkoxy” employed alone or in combination with other terms means, unless otherwise stated, an alkyl group having the designated number of carbon atoms, as defined above, connected to the rest of the molecule via an oxygen atom, such as, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, 1-propoxy, 2-propoxy and the higher homologs and isomers. Preferred are C1-C3 alkoxy, particularly ethoxy and methoxy.

[0057] By “halogen” is meant fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

[0058] By “substituted” means that an atom or group of atoms has replaced hydrogen as the substituent attached to another group.

[0059] A pharmaceutical composition is also provided comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and one or more compounds of formula I or formula V above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0060] According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of treating an individual for a proliferative disorder, particularly cancer, is provided, comprising administering to said individual an effective amount of a compound according to formulae I or V, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, alone or in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0061] In another embodiment of the invention, a method of inhibiting growth of tumor cells in an individual afflicted with cancer is provided comprising administering to said individual an effective amount of a compound according to formulae I or V, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, alone or in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0062] In another embodiment, a method of inducing apoptosis of cancer cells, more preferably tumor cells, in an individual afflicted with cancer is provided, comprising administering to said individual an effective amount of a compound according to formulae I or V, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, alone or in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0063] According to the present invention, certain α,β-unsaturated sulfones selectively kill various tumor cell types without killing normal cells. The sulfones of the present invention are characterized by cis-trans isomerism resulting from the presence of a double bond. The compounds are named according to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog system, the IUPAC 1974 Recommendations, Section E: Stereochemistry, in Nomenclature of Organic Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, N.Y., 4^(th) ed., 1992, p. 127-138. Stearic relations around a double bond are designated as “Z” or “E”. Both configurations are included in the scope of the present invention.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the compound is according to formula I and has the E-configuration as shown in formula I. The compounds of formula I are characterized by the presence of two ring systems Q₁ and Q₂, at least one of which comprises a heterocyclic or multicyclic system. The other ring system, if not a heterocyclic or multicyclic system, comprises a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl radical according to formula II, above.

[0065] The ring systems Q₁ and Q₂ are optionally substituted. By “substituted” means that an atom or group of atoms has replaced hydrogen as the substituent attached to a ring carbon atom.

[0066] Any degree of substitution is possible on the phenyl ring of formula II. The substituents to replace hydrogen in the phenyl ring of formula II are selected from the group consisting of halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-C6 trifluoroalkoxy and trifluoroalkoxy. By “halogen” is meant fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. According to preferred embodiments, the substituents on the phenyl ring of formula II are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy and trifluoromethyl.

[0067] Where a substituent is or contains an alkyl or alkoxy group, the carbon chain may be branched or straight, with straight being preferred. Preferably, the alkyl and alkoxy groups comprise C1-C3 alkyl and C1-C3 alkoxy, most preferably methyl and methoxy. The same preference holds true for the carbon chain in C1-C6 trifluoroalkoxy groups.

[0068] The phenyl ring may be up to penta-substituted, as shown in formula II. The pattern of multiple substitution with respect to the position of the phenyl ring of formula II may comprise any pattern of substitution. For example, tri-substitution may comprise substitution at positions 2, 3 and 4, positions 2, 4 and 5, or positions 2, 4 and 6, for example. Likewise, the pattern of tetra-substitution may comprise, for example, substitution at positions 2, 3, 4 and 5, or positions 2, 3, 5 and 6.

[0069] According to certain embodiments, the phenyl ring of formula II is tri-substituted, that is, only two of R₁ through R₅ are hydrogen. Representative combinations of substituents are set forth in Table 1: TABLE 1 Tri-Substitution a halogen halogen halogen b halogen halogen C1-C6 alkyl c halogen halogen C1-C6 alkoxy d halogen halogen nitro e halogen halogen carboxyl f halogen C1-C6 alkyl C1-C6 alkyl g halogen C1-C6 alkoxy C1-C6 alkoxy h C1-C6 alkyl C1-C6 alkyl C1-C6 alkyl i C1-C6 alkoxy C1-C6 alkoxy C1-C6 alkoxy j C1-C6 alkyl C1-C6 alkyl nitro k C1-C6 alkoxy C1-C6 alkoxy nitro

[0070] According to certain other embodiments, the phenyl ring of formula II is tetra-substituted, that is, only one of R₁ through R₅ is hydrogen. Representative combinations of substituents are set forth in Table 2: TABLE 2 Tetra-Substitution a halogen halogen halogen halogen b halogen halogen halogen C1-C6 alkyl c halogen halogen halogen C1-C6 alkoxy d halogen halogen halogen nitro e halogen halogen C1-C6 alkyl C1-C6 alkyl f halogen halogen C1-C6 alkoxy C1-C6 alkoxy g C1-C6 alkyl C1-C6 alkyl C1-C6 alkyl nitro h C1-C6 alkoxy C1-C6 alkoxy C1-C6 alkoxy nitro

[0071] According to other embodiments, the phenyl ring of formula II is penta-substituted, preferably with halogen, most preferably with the same halogen.

[0072] Where the phenyl ring is mono-substituted (only one of R₁-R₅ is other than hydrogen), the non-hydrogen substituent is preferably located at the 2- or 4-position (R₁ or R₃ is other than hydrogen). Where the ring is di-substituted (two of R₁-R₅ are other than hydrogen), the non-hydrogen substituents are preferably located at the 2- and 4-positions (R₁ and R₃ are other than hydrogen), or the 3- and 4-positions (R₂ and R₃ are other than hydrogen).

[0073] According to certain preferred embodiments, the 4-position of the phenyl ring of formula II is substituted, that is, R₃ is other than hydrogen. Preferably, R₃ is halogen or C1-C6 alkoxy in these embodiments. According to one preferred embodiment, R₁ is hydrogen or halogen; R₃ is halogen, C1-C3 alkoxy or trifluoromethyl; and R₂, R₄ and R₅ are hydrogen.

[0074] Where Q₁ of formula I is the 5- or 6-member aromatic heterocyclic radical of formula III, preferred radicals include 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-thienyl-1,1-dioxide, 3-thienyl-1,1-dioxide, 2-pyridyl and 3-pyridyl. The aforesaid heterocyclic radicals may be optionally mono- or di-substituted with halogen or nitro. Where Q₂ of formula I is the 5- or 6-member aromatic heterocyclic radical of formula IV, preferred radicals include 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-thienyl-1,1-dioxide, 3-thienyl-1,1-dioxide, 2-thiazolyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl and 4-pyridyl. The aforesaid heterocyclic radicals may be optionally mono- or di-substituted with halogen or nitro.

[0075] According to another embodiment of the invention, the α,β-unsaturated sulfone compound is of the Z-configuration and has the structure of formula V. The heterocyclic ring in formula V may be optionally mono- or di-substituted with halogen or nitro. Preferred heterocyclic radicals include unsubstituted 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl and 3-thienyl. The preferences for the substituent selection and pattern of substitution on the phenyl ring in formula V is the same as for formula II, above.

[0076] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the compounds of the invention affect the MAPK signal transduction pathway, thereby affecting tumor cell growth and viability. This cell growth inhibition is associated with regulation of the ERK and JNK types of MAPK. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the sulfones of the present invention may block the phosphorylating capacity of ERK-2.

[0077] The compounds of the invention have been shown to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells by inducing cell death. The compounds are believed effective against a broad range of tumor types, including but not limited to the following: breast, prostate, ovarian, lung, colorectal, brain (i.e, glioma) and renal. The compounds are also believed effective against leukemic cells. The compounds do not kill normal cells in concentrations at which tumor cells are killed.

[0078] The compounds of the invention may be administered to individuals (mammals, including animals and humans) afflicted with cancer.

[0079] The compounds are also believed useful in the treatment of non-cancer proliferative disorders, that is, proliferative disorders which are characterized by benign indications. Such disorders may also be known as “cytoproliferative” or “hyperproliferative” in that cells are made by the body at an atypically elevated rate. Such disorders include, but are not limited to, the following: hemangiomatosis in new born, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, chronic progressive myelodegenerative disease, neurofibromatosis, ganglioneuromatosis, keloid formation, Pagets Disease of the bone, fibrocystic disease of the breast, Peronies and Duputren's fibrosis, restenosis and cirrhosis.

[0080] Treatment of this broad range of tumor cells with the α,β-unsaturated sulfone compounds of the invention leads to inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptotic cell death.

[0081] Tumor cells treated with the compounds of the invention accumulate in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. As the cells exit the G2/M phase, they appear to undergo apoptosis. Treatment of normal cells with the sulfone compounds does not result in apoptosis.

[0082] The (E)-α,β, unsaturated sulfones of formula I may be prepared by Knoevenagel condensation of Q₂-aldehydes with Q₁—CH₂-sulfonyl acetic acids, according to the Scheme 1 below, wherein Q₁ and Q₂ are defined as for formula I, above. The Q₁—CH₂-thioacetic acid B is formed by the reaction of sodium thioglycollate and a Q₁—CH₂—Cl compound A. The thioacetic acid compound B is then oxidized with 30% hydrogen peroxide to give a corresponding sulfonyl acetic acid compound C. Condensation of C with the aldehyde D via a Knoevenagel reaction in the presence of benzylamine and glacial acetic acid yields the desired (E)-α,β-unsaturated sulfone E.

[0083] The following is a more detailed two-part synthesis procedure for preparing the formula I α,β-unsaturated sulfones, (E)-Q₁—CH₂SO₂CH═CH—Q₂, according to the above scheme.

General Procedure 1: Synthesis (E)-α,β Unsaturated Sulfones

[0084] Part A. To a solution of (8 g, 0.2 mol) sodium hydroxide in methanol (200 ml), thioglycollic acid (0.1 mol) is added slowly and the precipitate formed is dissolved by stirring the contents of the flask. Then a compound Q₁—CH₂—Cl (0.1 mol) is added stepwise and the reaction mixture is refluxed for 2-3 hours. The cooled contents are poured onto crushed ice and neutralized with dilute hydrochloric acid (200 ml). The resulting corresponding thioacetic acid compound Q₁—CH₂SCH₂COOH (0.1 mol) is subjected to oxidation with 30% hydrogen peroxide (0.12 mol) in glacial acetic acid (125 ml) by refluxing for 1 hour. The contents are cooled and poured onto crushed ice. The separated solid is recrystalized from hot water to give the corresponding pure sulfonylacetic acid Q₁—CH₂SO₂CH₂COOH.

[0085] Part B. A mixture of the sulfonyl acetic acid compound (10 mmol), an aldehyde Q₂—CHO (10 mmol), and benzylamine (200 ml) in glacial acetic acid (12 ml) is refluxed for 2-3 hours. The contents are cooled and treated with cold ether (50 ml). Any product precipitated out is separated by filtration. The filtrate is diluted with more ether and washed successively with a saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate (20 ml), sodium bisulfite (20 ml), dilute hydrochloric acid (20 ml) and finally with water (35 ml). Evaporation of the dried ethereal layer yields the desired α,β-unsaturated sulfone (E)-Q₁—CH₂SO₂CH═CH—Q₂ as a solid material.

[0086] According to an alternative to Part A, the appropriate sulfonylacetic acids may be generated by substituting a thioglycollate HSCH₂COOR for thioglycollic acid, where R is an alkyl group, typically C1-C6 alkyl. This leads to the formation of the alkylthioacetate intermediate (F),

[0087] Q₁—CH₂SCH₂COOR

[0088] F

[0089] which is then converted to the corresponding thioacetic acid B by alkaline or acid hydrolysis.

[0090] The (Z)-α,β-unsaturated sulfones are prepared by the nucleophilic addition of the appropriate thiols to optionally substituted phenylacetylene with subsequent oxidation of the resulting sulfide by hydrogen peroxide. The procedure is analogous to the procedure generally described by Reddy et al., Sulfur Letters 13:83-90(1991)for the production of (Z)-styryl benzylsulfones, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0091] In the first step of the (Z)-α,β-unsaturated sulfone synthesis, the sodium salt of an optionally mono- or di-substituted heterocyclic mercaptan of formula VI

[0092] is allowed to react with phenylacetylene or the appropriate substituted phenylacetylene forming the pure Z-isomer of the corresponding (Z)-α,β-unsaturated sulfide in good yield.

[0093] In the second step of the synthesis, the (Z)-α,β-unsaturated sulfide intermediate is oxidized to the corresponding sulfone in the pure Z-isomeric form by treatment with hydrogen peroxide.

[0094] The following is a more detailed two-part synthesis procedure for preparing (Z)-α,β-unsaturated sulfones:

General Procedure 2: Synthesis of (Z)-α,β-unsaturated sulfones

[0095] Part A. To a refluxing methanolic solution of the sodium salt of a compound of formula VI, prepared from 460 mg (0.02 g atom) of (i) sodium, (ii) optionally mono- or di-substituted heterocyclic mercaptan of formula VI (0.02 mol) and (iii) 80 ml of absolute methanol, is added freshly distilled substituted or unsubstituted phenylacetylene. The mixture is refluxed for 20 hours, cooled and then poured on crushed ice. The crude product is filtered, dried and recrystalized from methanol or aqueous methanol to yield a pure (Z)-α,β-unsaturated sulfide.

[0096] Part B. An ice cold solution of the (Z)-α,β-unsaturated sulfide (3.0g) in 30 ml of glacial acetic acid is treated with 7.5 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide. The reaction mixture is refluxed for 1 hour and then poured on crushed ice. The separated solid is filtered, dried, and recrystalized from 2-propanol to yield the pure (Z)-α,β-unsaturated sulfone. The purity of the compounds is ascertained by thin layer chromatography and the geometrical configuration is assigned by analysis of infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data.

[0097] The sulfone compounds of the present invention may be derivatized with a chemical group to permit conjugation to a carrier molecule, for the purpose of raising antibodies to the sulfones. Suitable derivatizing chemistries are well-known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the derivative comprises a carboxylic acid derivative. The carrier may comprise any molecule sufficiently large to be capable of generating an immune response in an appropriate host animal. One such preferred carrier is keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH).

[0098] The present invention is also directed to isolated optical isomers of compounds according to formulae I and V. Certain compounds may have one or more chiral centers. By “isolated” means a compound which has been substantially purified from the corresponding optical isomer(s) of the same formula. Preferably, the isolated isomer is at least about 80%, more preferably at least 90% pure, even more preferably at least 98% pure, most preferably at least about 99% pure, by weight. The present invention is meant to comprehend diastereomers as well as their racemic and resolved, enantiomerically pure forms and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Isolated optical isomers may be purified from racemic mixtures by well-known chiral separation techniques. According to one such method, a racemic mixture of a compound having the structure of formula I or formula V, or chiral intermediate thereof, is separated into 99% wt. % pure optical isomers by HPLC using a suitable chiral column, such as a member of the series of DAICEL CHIRALPAK family of columns (Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). The column is operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0099] The compounds of the present invention may take the form or pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts”, embraces salts commonly used to form alkali metal salts and to form addition salts of free acids or free bases. The nature of the salt is not critical, provided that it is pharmaceutically-acceptable. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts may be prepared from an inorganic acid or from an organic acid. Examples of such inorganic acids are hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, nitric, carbonic, sulfuric and phosphoric acid. Appropriate organic acids may be selected from aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, araliphatic, heterocyclic, carboxylic and sulfonic classes of organic acids, example of which are formic, acetic, propionic, succinic, glycolic, gluconic, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, glucuronic, maleic, fumaric, pyruvic, aspartic, glutamic, benzoic, anthranilic, mesylic, salicyclic, salicyclic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, phenylacetic, mandelic, embonic (pamoic), methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, pantothenic, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic, toluenesulfonic, sulfanilic, cyclohexylaminosulfonic, stearic, algenic, beta-hydroxybutyric, salicyclic, galactaric and galacturonic acid. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts of compounds of formula I include metallic salts made from calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc or organic salts made from N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine, meglumine (N-methylglucamine) and procaine. All of these salts may be prepared by conventional means from the corresponding compound of formula I or V by reacting, for example, the appropriate acid or base with the compound of formula I or V.

[0100] The sulfones of the invention may be administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The active ingredient in such formulations may comprise from 0.1 to 99.99 weight percent. By “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” is meant any carrier, diluent or excipient which is compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and to deleterious to the recipient.

[0101] The compounds of the invention may be administered to individuals (mammals, including animals and humans) afflicted with cancer.

[0102] The compounds are also useful in the treatment of non-cancer proliferative disorders, that is, proliferative disorders which are characterized by benign indications. Such disorders may also be known as “cytoproliferative” or “hyperproliferative” in that cells are made by the body at an atypically elevated rate. Such disorders include, but are not limited to, the following: hemangiomatosis in new born, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, chronic progressive myelodegenerative disease, neurofibromatosis, ganglioneuromatosis, keloid formation, Pagets Disease of the bone, fibrocystic disease of the breast, Peronies and Duputren's fibrosis, restenosis and cirrhosis.

[0103] The compounds may be administered by any route, including oral and parenteral administration. Parenteral administration includes, for example, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, intranasal, rectal, intravaginal, intravesical (e.g., to the bladder), intradermal, topical or subcutaneous administration. Also contemplated within the scope of the invention is the instillation of drug in the body of the patient in a controlled formulation, with systemic or local release of the drug to occur at a later time. For example, the drug may localized in a depot for controlled release to the circulation, or for release to a local site of tumor growth.

[0104] The active agent is preferably administered with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier selected on the basis of the selected route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice. The active agent may be formulated into dosage forms according to standard practices in the field of pharmaceutical preparations. See Alphonso Gennaro, ed., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed., (1990) Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa. Suitable dosage forms may comprise, for example, tablets, capsules, solutions, parenteral solutions, troches, suppositories, or suspensions.

[0105] For parenteral administration, the active agent may be mixed with a suitable carrier or diluent such as water, an oil (particularly a vegetable oil), ethanol, saline solution, aqueous dextrose (glucose) and related sugar solutions, glycerol, or a glycol such as propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol. Solutions for parenteral administration preferably contain a water soluble salt of the active agent. Stabilizing agents, antioxidizing agents and preservatives may also be added. Suitable antioxidizing agents include sulfite, ascorbic acid, citric acid and its salts, and sodium EDTA. Suitable preservatives include benzalkonium chloride, methyl- or propyl-paraben, and chlorbutanol. The composition for parenteral administration may take the form of an aqueous or nonaqueous solution, dispersion, suspension or emulsion.

[0106] For oral administration, the active agent may be combined with one or more solid inactive ingredients for the preparation of tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granules or other suitable oral dosage forms. For example, the active agent may be combined with at least one excipient such as fillers, binders, humectants, disintegrating agents, solution retarders, absorption accelerators, wetting agents absorbents or lubricating agents. According to one tablet embodiment, the active agent may be combined with carboxymethylcellulose calcium, magnesium stearate, mannitol and starch, and then formed into tablets by conventional tableting methods.

[0107] The specific dose of compound according to the invention to obtain therapeutic benefit will, of course, be determined by the particular circumstances of the individual patient including, the size, weight, age and sex of the patient, the nature and stage of the disease, the aggressiveness of the disease, and the route of administration. For example, a daily dosage of from about 0.05 to about 50 mg/kg/day may be utilized. Higher or lower doses are also contemplated.

[0108] The practice of the invention is illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. In each of the following examples, the sulfonyl acetic acid compound Q₁CH₂SO₂CH₂COOH was made according to Part A of General Procedure 1: Synthesis (E)-α,β Unsaturated Sulfones, above. The final sulfone compound (E)-Q₁—CH₂SO₂CH═CH—Q₂ was recrystalized from 2-propanol and the purity was checked by thin layer chromatography. Compounds containing the 3-thienyl-1,1-dioxide group were generated by oxidizing the corresponding 3-thienyl sulfone.

EXAMPLE 1 (E)-2-pyridineethenyl-4-fluorobenzyl Sulfone

[0109] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 110-111° C., was obtained in 54% yield.

EXAMPLE 2 (E)-3-pyridineethenyl-4-fluorobenzyl Sulfone

[0110] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 155-156° C., was obtained in 60% yield.

EXAMPLE 3 (E)-4-pyridineethenyl-4-fluorobenzyl Sulfone

[0111] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 4 (E)-2-pyridineethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0112] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 117-119° C., was obtained in 53% yield.

EXAMPLE 5 (E)-3-pyridineethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0113] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 167-169° C., was obtained in 51 % yield.

EXAMPLE 6 (E)-4-pyridineethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0114] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 107-109° C., was obtained in 53% yield.

EXAMPLE 7 (E)-2-pyridineethenyl-4-bromobenzyl Sulfone

[0115] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 143-145° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 8 (E)-3-pyridineethenyl-4-bromobenzyl Sulfone

[0116] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 161-162° C., was obtained in 59% yield.

EXAMPLE 9 (E)-4-pyridineethenyl-4-bromobenzyl Sulfone

[0117] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 158-160° C., was obtained in 54% yield.

EXAMPLE 10 (E)-2-thiopheneethenyl-4-fluorobenzyl Sulfone

[0118] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 146-148° C., was obtained in 53% yield.

EXAMPLE 11 (E)-2-thiopheneethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0119] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 158-159° C., was obtained in 56% yield.

EXAMPLE 12 (E)-2-thiopheneethenyl-4-bromobenzyl Sulfone

[0120] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 169-170° C., was obtained in 54% yield.

EXAMPLE 13 (E)-4-bromo-2-thiopheneethenyl-4-fluorobenzyl Sulfone

[0121] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 4-bromo-2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 155-157° C., was obtained in 54% yield.

EXAMPLE 14 (E)-4-bromo-2-thiopheneethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0122] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 4-bromo-2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 150-151° C., was obtained in 53% yield.

EXAMPLE 15 (E)4-bromo-2-thiopheneethenyl-4-bromobenzyl Sulfone

[0123] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 4-bromo-2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 154-155° C., was obtained in 54% yield.

EXAMPLE 16 (E)-5-bromo-2-thiopheneethenyl-4-fluorobenzyl Sulfone

[0124] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 5-bromo-2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 161-162° C., was obtained in 55% yield.

EXAMPLE 17 (E)-5-bromo-2-thiopheneethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0125] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 5-bromo-2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 190-192° C., was obtained in 50% yield.

EXAMPLE 18 (E)-5-bromo-2-thiopheneethenyl-4-bromobenzyl Sulfone

[0126] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 5-bromo-2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 199-202° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 19 (E)-2-thiophene-1,1-dioxoethenyl-4-fluorobenzyl Sulfone

[0127] A solution of the compound of Example 10 (500 mg) in glacial acetic acid (10 ml) and 30% hydrogen peroxide (1 ml) was refluxed for 1 hour and the cooled contents were poured onto crushed ice (100 g). The solid material separated was filtered and recrystallized from 2-propanol. The title compound, melting point 126-128° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 20 (E)-2-thiophene-1,1-dioxoethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0128] A solution of the compound of Example 11 (500 mg) in glacial acetic acid (10 ml) and 30% hydrogen peroxide (1 ml) was refluxed for 1 hour and the cooled contents were poured onto crushed ice (100 g). The solid material separated was filtered and recrystallized from 2-propanol. The title compound, melting point 108-110° C., was obtained in 55% yield.

EXAMPLE 21 (E)-2-thiophene-1,1-dioxoethenyl-4-bromobenzyl Sulfone

[0129] A solution of compound 12 (500 mg) in glacial acetic acid (10 ml) and 30% hydrogen peroxide (1 ml) was refluxed for 1 hour and the cooled contents were poured onto crushed ice (100 g). The solid material separated was filtered and recrystallized from 2-propanol. The title compound, melting point 145-147° C., was obtained in 56% yield.

EXAMPLE 22 (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-4-fluorobenzyl Sulfone

[0130] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 159-161° C., was obtained in 53% yield.

EXAMPLE 23 (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0131] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 169-170° C., was obtained in 59% yield.

EXAMPLE 24 (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-4-bromobenzyl Sulfone

[0132] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 175-177° C., was obtained in 70% yield.

EXAMPLE 25 (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-4-iodobenzyl Sulfone

[0133] A solution of 4-iodobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 177-179° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 26 (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-4-methylbenzyl Sulfone

[0134] A solution of 4-methylbenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 135-136° C., was obtained in 55% yield.

EXAMPLE 27 (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-4-methoxybenzyl Sulfone

[0135] A solution of 4-methoxybenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 130-131° C., was obtained in 55% yield.

EXAMPLE 28 (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-4-trifloromethoxylbenzyl Sulfone

[0136] A solution of 4-trifluoromethoxybenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 201-202° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 29 (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-2,4-dichlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0137] A solution of 2,4-dichlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 125-126° C., was obtained in 53% yield.

EXAMPLE 30 (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-3,4-dichlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0138] A solution of 3,4-dichlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 152-153° C., was obtained in 51% yield.

EXAMPLE 31 (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-4-cyanobenzyl Sulfone

[0139] A solution of 4-cyanobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 168-170° C., was obtained in 54% yield.

EXAMPLE 32 (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-4-nitrobenzyl Sulfone

[0140] A solution of 4-nitrobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 203-205° C., was obtained in 54% yield.

EXAMPLE 33 (E)-3-thiophene-1,1-dioxoethenyl-4-fluorobenzyl Sulfone

[0141] A solution of the compound of Example 22 (500 mg) in glacial acetic acid (10 ml) and 30% hydrogen peroxide (1 ml) was refluxed for 1 hour and the cooled contents were poured onto crushed ice (100 g). The solid material separated was filtered and recrystallized from 2-propanol. The title compound, melting point 95-99° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 34 (E)-3-thiophene-1,1-dioxoethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0142] A solution of the compound of Example 23 (500 mg) in glacial acetic acid (10 ml) and 30% hydrogen peroxide (1 ml) was refluxed for 1 hour and the cooled contents were poured onto crushed ice (100 g. The solid material separated was filtered and recrystallized from 2-propanol. The title compound, melting point 115-120° C., was obtained in 51% yield.

EXAMPLE 35 (E)-3-thiophene-1,1-dioxoethenyl-4-bromobenzyl Sulfone

[0143] A solution of the compound of Example 24 (500 mg) in glacial acetic acid (10 ml) and 30% hydrogen peroxide (1 ml) was refluxed for 1 hour and the cooled contents were poured onto crushed ice (100 g. The solid material separated was filtered and recrystallized from 2-propanol. The title compound, melting point 152-155° C., was obtained in 50% yield.

EXAMPLE 36 (E)-3-thiophene-1,1-dioxoethenyl-4-methoxybenzyl Sulfone

[0144] A solution of the compound of Example 27 (500 mg) in glacial acetic acid (10 ml) and 30% hydrogen peroxide (1 ml) was refluxed for 1 hour and the cooled contents were poured onto crushed ice (100 g. The solid material separated was filtered and recrystallized from 2-propanol. The title compound, melting point 92-95° C., was obtained in 54% yield.

EXAMPLE 37 (E)-3-thiophene-1,1-dioxoethenyl-2,4-dichlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0145] A solution of the compound of Example 29 (500 mg) in glacial acetic acid (10 ml) and 30% hydrogen peroxide (1 ml) was refluxed for 1 hour and the cooled contents were poured onto crushed ice (100 g. The solid material separated was filtered and recrystallized from 2-propanol. The title compound, melting point 135-139° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 38 (E)-2-furanethenyl-4-fluorobenzyl Sulfone

[0146] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 103-105° C., was obtained in 53% yield.

EXAMPLE 39 (E)-2-furanethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0147] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 106-108° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 40 (E)-2-furanethenyl-4-bromobenzyl Sulfone

[0148] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 125-127° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 41 (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-fluorobenzyl Sulfone

[0149] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 114-117° C., was obtained in 51% yield.

EXAMPLE 42 (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0150] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 154-156° C., was obtained in 50% yield.

EXAMPLE 43 (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-bromobenzyl Sulfone

[0151] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 156-158° C., was obtained in 51% yield.

EXAMPLE 44 (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-iodobenzyl Sulfone

[0152] A solution of 4-iodobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 166-170° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 45 (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-methylbenzyl Sulfone

[0153] A solution of 4-methylbenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 123-126° C., was obtained in 53% yield.

EXAMPLE 46 (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-methoxybenzyl Sulfone

[0154] A solution of 4-methoxybenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 117-119° C., was obtained in 51% yield.

EXAMPLE 47 (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl Sulfone

[0155] A solution of 4-trifluoromethylbenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 167-169° C., was obtained in 51% yield.

EXAMPLE 48 (E)-3-furanethenyl-2,4-dichlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0156] A solution of 2,4-dichlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 104-106° C., was obtained in 53% yield.

EXAMPLE 49 (E)-3-furanethenyl-3,4-dichlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0157] A solution of 3,4-dichlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 131-133° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 50 (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-cyanobenzyl Sulfone

[0158] A solution of 4-cyanobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 175-178° C., was obtained in 53% yield.

EXAMPLE 51 (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-nitrobenzyl Sulfone

[0159] A solution of 4-nitrobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-furancarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 210-213° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 52 (E)-2-thiazoleethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0160] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-thiazolecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 133-137° C., was obtained in 51% yield.

EXAMPLE 53 (E)-2-pyrrolethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0161] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-pyrrolecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound was obtained.

EXAMPLE 54 (E)-2- pyrrolethenyl-4-bromobenzyl Sulfone

[0162] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-pyrrolecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound was obtained.

EXAMPLE 55 (E)-2-nitro-4-thiopheneethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0163] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-nitro-4-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 228-230° C., was obtained in 56% yield.

EXAMPLE 56 (E)-2-nitro-4-thiopheneethenyl-4-iodobenzyl Sulfone

[0164] A solution of 4-iodobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-nitro-4-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 177-179° C., was obtained in 67% yield.

EXAMPLE 57 (E)-2-nitro-4-thiopheneethenyl-2,4-dichlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0165] A solution of 2,4-dichlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-nitro-4-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 228-230° C., was obtained in 64% yield.

EXAMPLE 58 (E)-2-nitro-4-thiopheneethenyl-4-methoxybenzyl Sulfone

[0166] A solution of 4-methoxybenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-nitro-4-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 170-172° C., was obtained in 56% yield.

EXAMPLE 59 (E)-1-piperazineethenyl-4-fluorobenzyl Sulfone

[0167] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 1-piperazinecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 156-157° C., was obtained in 50% yield.

EXAMPLE 60 (E)-1-piperazineethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl Sulfone

[0168] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 1-piperazinecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 126-128° C., was obtained in 50% yield.

EXAMPLE 61 (E)-1-piperazineethenyl-4-bromobenzyl Sulfone

[0169] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 1-piperazinecarboxaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 128-129° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 62 (E)-1-naphthaleneethenyl-4-fluorobenzylsulfone

[0170] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 1-naphthaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 148-150° C., was obtained in 55% yield.

EXAMPLE 63 (E)-2-naphthaleneethenyl-4-fluorobenzylsulfone

[0171] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-naphthaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 185-186° C., was obtained in 58% yield.

EXAMPLE 64 (E)-1-naphthaleneethenyl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone

[0172] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 1-naphthaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 142-143° C., was obtained in 63% yield.

EXAMPLE 65 (E)-2-naphthaleneethenyl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone

[0173] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-naphthaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 191-193° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 66 (E)-1-naphthaleneethenyl-4-bromobenzylsulfone

[0174] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 1-naphthaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 147-149° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 67 (E)-2-naphthaleneethenyl-4-bromobenzylsulfone

[0175] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-naphthaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 193-194° C., was obtained in 54% yield.

EXAMPLE 68 (E)-4-fluorostyryl-1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfone

[0176] A solution of 1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 4-fluorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 142-144° C., was obtained in 52% yield.

EXAMPLE 69 (E)-4-chlorostyryl-1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfone

[0177] A solution of 1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 4-chlorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 195-197° C., was obtained in 53% yield

EXAMPLE 70 (E)-4-bromostyryl-1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfone

[0178] A solution of 1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 4-bromobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 207-209° C., was obtained in 55% yield

EXAMPLE 71 (E)-2-nitrostyryl-1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfone

[0179] A solution of 1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 2-nitrobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 188-192° C., was obtained in 62% yield

EXAMPLE 72 (E)-3-nitrostyryl-1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfone

[0180] A solution of 1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 3-nitrobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 192-194° C., was obtained in 59% yield.

EXAMPLE 73 (E)-4-nitrostyryl-1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfone

[0181] A solution of 1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 252-254° C., was obtained in 61% yield.

EXAMPLE 74 (E)-9-anthraceneethenyl-4-fluorobenzylsulfone

[0182] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 9-anthraldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 93-95° C., was obtained in 56% yield.

EXAMPLE 75 (E)-9-anthraceneethenyl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone

[0183] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 9-anthraldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 122-124° C., was obtained in 53% yield.

EXAMPLE 76 (E)-9-anthraceneethenyl-4-bromobenzylsulfone

[0184] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and 9-anthraldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to General Procedure 1, Part B. The title compound, melting point 172-175° C., was obtained in 51% yield.

Effect of Sulfones on Tumor Cell Lines

[0185] A. Cells

[0186] The effect of the sulfones on normal fibroblasts and on tumor cells of prostate, colon, lung and breast origin was examined utilizing the following cell lines: prostate tumor cell line DU-145; colorectal carcinoma cell line DLD-1; non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line H157; and breast tumor cell line BT-20. BT-20 is an estrogen-unresponsive cell line. NIH/3T3 and HFL are normal murine and human fibroblasts, respectively. BT-20, DLD-1 and H157 were grown in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) containing 10% fetal bovine serum supplemented with penicillin and streptomycin. DU145 was cultured in RPMI with 10% fetal bovine serum containing penicillin and streptomycin. NIH3T3 and HFL cells were grown in DMEM containing 10% calf serum supplemented with penicillin and streptomycin. All cell cultures were maintained at 37° C. in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO₂.

[0187] B. Treatment with Sulfones and Viability Assay

[0188] Cells were treated with test compound at 2.5 mM concentration and cell viability was determined after 96 hours by the Trypan blue exclusion method. The results are set forth in Table 1. Activity for each compound is reported as a range of cell induced death (% Death) with the lowest activity in the range of 5-10%.

[0189] Normal cells HFL and NIH 3T3 were treated with the same compounds in Table 1 under the same conditions of concentration and time. The normal cells displayed 5% growth inhibition but no appreciable cell death. The percent cell death is scored in Table 1 as follows: TABLE 1 Effect of Sulfones on Tumor cells

Tumor Cells Ex. Q₁ Q₂ DU145 DLD-1 H157 BT20  1 4-fluorophenyl 2-pyridyl + + + +  2 4-fluorophenyl 3-pyridyl + + + +  3 4-fluorophenyl 4-pyridyl ND ND ND ND  4 4-chlorophenyl 2-pyridyl + + + +  5 4-chlorophenyl 3-pyridyl + + + +  6 4-chlorophenyl 4-pyridyl + + + +  7 4-bromophenyl 2-pyridyl + + + +  8 4-bromophenyl 3-pyridyl ++ ++ ++ ++  9 4-bromophenyl 4-pyridyl + + + + 10 4-fluorophenyl 2-thienyl + + + + 11 4-chlorophenyl 2-thienyl + + + + 12 4-bromophenyl 2-thienyl + + + + 13 4-fluorophenyl 4-bromo-2-thienyl + + + + 14 4-chlorophenyl 4-bromo-2-thienyl + + + + 15 4-bromophenyl 4-bromo-2-thienyl + + + + 16 4-fluorophenyl 5-bromo-2-thienyl + + + + 17 4-chlorophenyl 5-bromo-2-thienyl + + + + 18 4-bromophenyl 5-bromo-2-thienyl + + + + 19 4-fluorophenyl 2-thienyl-1,1- ND ND ND ND dioxide 20 4-chlorophenyl 2-thienyl-1,1- ND ND ND ND dioxide 21 4-bromophenyl 2-thienyl-1,1- ND ND ND ND dioxide 22 4-fluorophenyl 3-thienyl + + + + 23 4-chlorophenyl 3-thienyl +++ +++ +++ +++ 24 4-bromophenyl 3-thienyl +++ +++ +++ +++ 25 4-iodophenyl 3-thienyl ++ ++ ++ ++ 26 4-methylphenyl 3-thienyl + + + + 27 4-methoxyphenyl 3-thienyl ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ 28 4-trifluoro- 3-thienyl + + + + methylphenyl 29 2,4-dichlorophenyl 3-thienyl ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ 30 3,4-dichlorophenyl 3-thienyl + + + + 31 4-cyanophenyl 3-thienyl + + + + 32 4-nitrophenyl 3-thienyl + + + + 33 4-fluorophenyl 3-thienyl-1,1- + + + + dioxide 34 4-chlorophenyl 3-thienyl-1,1- + + + + dioxide 35 4-bromophenyl 3-thienyl-1,1- + + + + dioxide 36 4-methoxyphenyl 3-thienyl-1,1- + + + + dioxide 37 2,4-dichlorophenyl 3-thienyl-1,1- ++ ++ ++ ++ dioxide 38 4-fluorophenyl 2-furyl ND ND ND ND 39 4-chlorophenyl 2-furyl ND ND ND ND 40 4-bromophenyl 2-furyl ND ND ND ND 41 4-fluorophenyl 3-furyl + + + + 42 4-chlorophenyl 3-furyl +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ 43 4-bromophenyl 3-furyl +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ 44 4-iodophenyl 3-furyl +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ 45 4-methylphenyl 3-furyl ND ND ND ND 46 4-methoxyphenyl 3-furyl +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ 47 4-trifluoro- 3-furyl ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ methylphenyl 48 2,4-dichlorophenyl 3-furyl +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ 49 3,4-dichlorophenyl 3-furyl +++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ 50 4-cyanophenyl 3-furyl + + + + 51 4-nitrophenyl 3-furyl + + + + 52 4-chlorophenyl 2-thiazolyl ND ND ND ND 53 4-chlorophenyl 2-pyrrolyl ND ND ND ND 54 4-bromophenyl 2-pyrrolyl ND ND ND ND 55 4-chlorophenyl 2-nitro-4-thienyl ++ ++++ + + 56 4-iodophenyl 2-nitro-4-thienyl + + + + 57 2,4-dichlorophenyl 2-nitro-4-thienyl ++ ++ + + 58 4-methoxyphenyl 2-nitro-4-thienyl ++++ +++++ +++++ +++ 59 4-fluorophenyl 1-piperazinyl ND ND ND ND 60 4-chlorophenyl 1-piperazinyl ND ND ND ND 61 4-bromophenyl 1-piperazinyl ND ND ND ND 62 4-fluorophenyl 1-naphthyl + + + + 63 4-fluorophenyl 2-naphthyl + + + + 64 4-chlorophenyl 1-naphthyl ++ ++ ++ ++ 65 4-chlorophenyl 2-naphthyl + + + + 66 4-bromophenyl 1-naphthyl ++ ++ ++ ++ 67 4-bromophenyl 2-naphthyl + + + + 68 1-naphthyl 4-fluorophenyl + + + + 69 1-naphthyl 4-chlorophenyl + + + + 70 1-naphthyl 4-bromophenyl + + + + 71 1-naphthyl 2-nitrophenyl +++ ND ND +++ 72 1-naphthyl 3-nitrophenyl + ND ND + 73 1-naphthyl 4-nitrophenyl + + ++ + 74 4-fluorophenyl 9-anthryl +++ ++++ +++++ ++++ 75 4-chlorophenyl 9-anthryl ND ND ND ND 76 4-bromophenyl 9-anthryl ++++ +++ +++ ++++

[0190] All references cited herein are incorporated by reference. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indication the scope of the invention. 

1. A compound of the formula I:

wherein: Q₁ is selected from the group consisting of (a) a phenyl radical according to formula II

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-C6 trifluoroalkoxy and trifluoromethyl; (b) an aromatic radical selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl and 9-anthryl; and (c) an aromatic radical according to formula III

wherein n₁ is 1 or 2, Y₁ and Y₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and nitro, and X₁ is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and

and Q₂ is selected from the group consisting of (d) a phenyl radical according to formula II

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-C6 trifluoroalkoxy and trifluoromethyl; (e) an aromatic radical selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl and 9-anthryl; (f) an aromatic radical according to formula IV

wherein n₂ is 1 or 2, Y₃ and Y₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and nitro, and X₂, X₃ and X₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and

provided that not all of X₂, X₃ and X₄ may be carbon; and (g) 1-piperazinyl; provided that at least one of Q₁ or Q₂ is other than a phenyl radical according to formula II; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Q₁ is a phenyl radical according to formula II

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-C6 trifluoroalkoxy and trifluoromethyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 3. A compound according to claim 2 wherein R₁ through R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1-C3 alkoxy and trifluoromethyl.
 4. The compound according to claim 3 which is (E)-3-furanethenyl-3,4-dichlorobenzyl sulfone.
 5. A compound according to claim 3 wherein R₁ is hydrogen or halogen; R₃ is halogen, C1-C3 alkoxy or trifluoromethyl; and R₂, R₄ and R₅ are hydrogen.
 6. A compound according to claim 5 wherein Q₂ is selected from the group consisting of 3-furyl, 3-thienyl, 3-thienyl-1-dioxide, 2-nitro-4-thienyl, 9-anthryl, 1-naphthyl and 2-naphthyl.
 7. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl sulfone
 8. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-4-bromobenzyl sulfone.
 9. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-4-methoxybenzyl sulfone.
 10. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-3-thiopheneethenyl-2,4-dichlorobenzyl sulfone.
 11. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-3-thiophene-1,1-dioxoethenyl-2,4-dichlorobenzyl sulfone.
 12. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl sulfone.
 13. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-bromobenzyl sulfone.
 14. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-iodobenzyl sulfone.
 15. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-methoxybenzyl sulfone.
 16. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-3-furanethenyl-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl sulfone.
 17. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-3-furanethenyl-2,4-dichlorobenzyl sulfone.
 18. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-2-nitro-4-thiopheneethenyl-4-chlorobenzyl sulfone.
 19. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-2-nitro-4-thiopheneethenyl-4-methoxybenzyl sulfone.
 20. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-9-anthraceneethenyl-4-fluorobenzylsulfone.
 21. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-9-anthraceneethenyl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone.
 22. The compound according to claim 5 which is (E)-9-anthraceneethenyl-4-bromobenzylsulfone.
 23. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Q₁ is 1-naphthyl or 2-naphthyl and Q₂ is a phenyl radical according to formula II

wherein: R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-C6 trifluoroalkoxy and trifluoromethyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 24. A compound according to claim 23 selected from the group consisting of (E)-2-nitrostyryl-1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfone, (E)-3-nitrostyryl-1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfone and (E)-4-nitrostyryl-1-(naphthylmethyl)sulfone.
 25. A compound of the formula V:

wherein: X is sulfur or oxygen; Y_(a) and Y_(b) are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and nitro; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-C6 trifluoroalkoxy and trifluoromethyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 26. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound according to claim 1 or 25, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 27. A method of treating an individual for a proliferative disorder comprising administering to said individual an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1 or 25, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 28. A method according to claim 27 wherein the proliferative disorder is selected from the group consisting of hemangiomatosis in new born, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, chronic progressive myelodegenerative disease, neurofibromatosis, ganglioneuromatosis, keloid formation, Pagets Disease of the bone, fibrocystic disease of the breast, Peronies and Duputren's fibrosis, restenosis and cirrhosis.
 29. A method according to claim 27 wherein the proliferative disorder is cancer.
 30. A method according to claim 29 wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of ovarian, breast, prostate, lung, renal, colorectal and brain cancers, or the cancer is a leukemia.
 31. A method of inducing apoptosis of tumor cells in an individual afflicted with cancer comprising administering to said individual an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1 or 25, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 32. A method according to claim 31 wherein the tumor cells are selected from the group consisting of ovarian, breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, renal and brain tumors.
 33. A process for preparing a compound of claim 1 comprising condensing a compound of formula Ia

with a compound of the formula

wherein: Q₁ is selected from the group consisting of (a) a phenyl radical according to formula II

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-C6 trifluoroalkoxy and trifluoromethyl; (b) an aromatic radical selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl and 9-anthryl; and (c) an aromatic radical according to formula III

wherein n₁ is 1 or 2, Y₁ and Y₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and nitro, and X₁ is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and

; and Q₂ is selected from the group consisting of (d) a phenyl radical according to formula II

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-C6 trifluoroalkoxy and trifluoromethyl; (e) an aromatic radical selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl and 9-anthryl; (f) an aromatic radical according to formula IV

wherein n₂ is 1 or 2, Y₃ and Y₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and nitro, and X₂, X₃ and X₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and

provided that not all of X₂, X₃ and X₄ may be carbon; and (g) 1-piperazinyl; provided that at least one of Q₁ or Q₂ is other than a phenyl radical according to formula II
 34. A process according to claim 33 wherein the formula Ia compound is prepared by reacting sodium glycollate with a compound of the formula Q₁CH₂Cl to form a thioacetic compound of the formula

which is then oxidized to form a compound of formula Ia.
 35. A process according to claim 33 wherein the thioacetic acid compound Q₁CH₂SCH₂COOH is prepared by reacting a compound of the formula HSCH₂COOR, where R is C1-C6 alkyl, with a compound of the formula Q₁CH₂Cl to form an intermediate of the formula:

and hydrolyzing said intermediate to obtain said thioacetic acid compound Q₁CH₂SCH₂COOH.
 36. A process for preparing a compound of claim 25 comprising reacting a compound of the formula

with a compound of the formula

to form a sulfide compound of formula Va:

and oxidizing said formula Va compound to form a compound according to claim 25, wherein: X is sulfur or oxygen; Y_(a) and Y_(b) are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and nitro; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-C6 trifluoroalkoxy and trifluoromethyl;
 37. An isolated optical isomer of a compound according to claim 1, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 38. An isolated optical isomer of a compound according to claim 25, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 